Arian Farahmand
Updates
Energy & Natural Resources
New solar energy funding scheme
Austria | 15 March 2021In September 2020 the eagerly awaited draft Renewable Energy Expansion Act was published for evaluation. To help achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement 2015, the draft creates new framework conditions for the expansion of renewable energy in Austria. This article examines key elements introduced by the act with regard to solar energy funding schemes, including calculating market premiums, the tender procedure, investment grant requirements and provisions for photovoltaic plants.
Network reserve to become part of congestion management system
Austria | 18 January 2021With an amendment to the Electricity Industry and Organisation Act passed by Parliament, the network reserve will become part of Austria's congestion management system. The aim of the network reserve is to achieve network stability and security of supply in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Procurement is carried out within the framework of a transparent, non-discriminatory and market-oriented tendering procedure.
Sparking change: Renewable Energy Expansion Act published for evaluation
Austria | 19 October 2020The eagerly awaited draft Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG) was recently published for evaluation. To help achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement 2015, the draft creates new framework conditions for the expansion of renewable energy in Austria. In view of the high level of funding, the EAG leaves no doubt that the expansion of renewable energies is one of Austria's main objectives for the next 10 years. However, a look at other countries clearly shows that funding alone will not be enough.
Supreme Court rules on distribution network operators' obligation to connect
Austria | 23 December 2019The Supreme Court recently considered whether distribution network operators must provide network users with a written cost estimate for a grid connection even if the general obligation to connect final customers to the grid is still in dispute and has yet to be decided by the competent authority. The case has clarified whether a network operator's obligation to provide a cost estimate presupposes that its connection obligation is undisputed or has already been legally established.
